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### **Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake**
Let’s break down the simple steps required to create this show-stopping dessert.
#### **Step 1: Preheat Your Oven**
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will give it time to reach the right temperature while you prepare the ingredients.
#### **Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish**
Next, choose a **9×13-inch baking dish**. Lightly grease the dish with cooking spray or butter to ensure that the cake doesn’t stick. This will make cleanup easier and help the cake release when it’s time to serve.
#### **Step 3: Add the Lemon Pie Filling**
Spread the **lemon pie filling** evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This filling will act as the base for your cake, and it’s what gives the dessert its signature zesty lemon flavor.
#### **Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese**
In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or a spatula to mix the softened **cream cheese** until smooth. If you want to add a little extra sweetness to the cream cheese, you can mix in a tablespoon of sugar or a little vanilla extract. Once smooth, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese over the lemon pie filling. You don’t need to spread it out fully — just place it in dollops across the surface.
#### **Step 5: Add the Cake Mix**
Next, sprinkle the **yellow cake mix** evenly over the cream cheese. You want to cover the entire surface, so be sure to spread it out as evenly as possible. There’s no need to mix or stir the cake mix into the other layers — just let it rest on top.
#### **Step 6: Add the Butter**
Cut the **butter** into small cubes (about 1 tablespoon each) and scatter it evenly over the cake mix layer. These little pats of butter will melt as the cake bakes, creating a deliciously golden and crisp crust on top.
#### **Step 7: Bake the Cake**
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be bubbly around the edges, and the topping should have a crispy, cake-like texture.
#### **Step 8: Cool and Serve**
Allow the **Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake** to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. It will firm up slightly as it cools. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, but either way, it’s delicious.
Serve it on its own, or top it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a few fresh berries for a touch of added freshness.
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### **Tips for Success**
While this recipe is foolproof, there are a few tips that can help you achieve the best possible results:
1. **Use softened cream cheese**: Be sure to soften the cream cheese before adding it to the cake. If it’s too cold, it won’t blend as smoothly, and you might end up with clumps.
2. **Don’t stir the cake mix**: One of the key elements of a dump cake is that you don’t mix the cake mix into the other ingredients. Let the oven do the work of incorporating everything as it bakes.
3. **Use a high-quality cake mix**: Since the cake mix is such a key ingredient, using a high-quality brand will make a difference in flavor and texture.
4. **Try other pie fillings**: If you’re not a fan of lemon, feel free to experiment with other pie fillings such as blueberry, cherry, or peach. The concept of the dump cake can easily be adapted to any fruit flavor you like.
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### **Conclusion**
The **4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake** is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves a delicious treat that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With its tangy lemon base, creamy filling, and buttery cake topping, it’s a dessert that pleases both the eye and the palate. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this dump cake is sure to become a new favorite.
So, next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, head to your kitchen, grab your ingredients, and bake up a batch of this scrumptious cake. With only four ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that everyone will love!
